Under clear blue skies, hundreds of people gathered in Blackburn to take part in the annual parade and wreath laying service.

People marked their respect and remembrance with poppies and marched with the parade to the Corporation Park Gardens of Remembrance today (Sunday, November 13).

A United Service of Remembrance was held at 9.30am at Blackburn Cathedral before a parade formed on King William Street at 10.25am.

Coordinator of the Blackburn with Darwen Police Cadets, Ash Lawton, said: “It’s important for everyone to gather here today to remember and show their respect.

"And it’s important to educate people as much as showing respect, especially for younger people.

“I feel a lot of pride when I see everyone here today, and seeing younger people showing respect and honouring the lives.”

Lancashire Telegraph: David's customised Remembrance jacketDavid's customised Remembrance jacket (Image: Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn resident, David Marsden was dressed in a leather biker jacket he had customised himself to honour the fallen soldiers.

He said: “I am supporting my brother and sister who were in the army, and my grandad who was in the First and Second World Wars and everybody else who fought for people to have the life we have today."

 

 

Twins Alison and Elaine Hosken, from Blackburn, added: “We have family members that served in wars.

"Our mother was in the ATS during the Second World War and our uncle was a prisoner of war for two years. Our cousin also served in the Gulf War so we’ve got a lot of history.

“We need to recognise what they did more often. It’s very important to acknowledge what they did and for the younger generation to know what sacrifices their grandparents made so they could have freedom now.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Pete JohnsonPete Johnson (Image: Lancashire Telegraph)

Pete Johnson, 64, said: “I’ve been here every year without fail to pay my respects.

"Members of my family served in the World Wars so it’s important to remember our history.

“I feel honoured to see so many young ones turn up, you know a lot of people still have respect – it restores your faith. I have a lot of respect for them.”

Lancashire Telegraph: John and his grandsonsJohn and his grandsons (Image: Lancashire Telegraph)

One resident from Blackburn brought his two grandsons to honour their family’s service, both past and present.

John Cave said: “My daughter and son in law are in the army, and my granddaughter is currently training so it’s a big family of us.

"It’s a brilliant day to bring everyone together and show our respect.”

His 15-year-old grandson Gene added: “My parents are both in the army and have been serving for over 20 years so it’s important to come and see what other people are doing.

"It’s not just about two people, it’s about everyone.

“I’m proud of them. My mum and dad met in a warzone, basically, so I wouldn’t be here without them. If we didn’t have the military, where would we be now?”

 

 

Also in attendance was Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Suleman Khonat, Council leader Phil Riley, Chief Executive Denise Park, and Blackburn MP Kate Hollern.

Darwen's Service of Remembrance was also held at the town's St Peter’s Church at 9am, followed by a service and wreath laying at the War Memorial in Bold Venture Park at 10.45am.

On Monday, a Remembrance Concert will be held at King George's Hall in Blackburn at 6.30pm, with tickets priced £4 for adults and £1 for children, and available from the box office.